Monday, April 2, 2012

The creation of the Arnolt-Bristol car was a blend of two
different car companies that joined forces to manufacture a line of
vehicles that offered four unique body styles. The coming years would
see increased production throughout the 1950s, as well as an array of
false impressions that involved production number errors and the ins and
outs regarding the components of the Arnolt-Bristol cars.
Brief History of SH Arnolt Inc. and Bristol Cars
Arnolt-Bristol
cars represented a collaboration between two different car
manufacturers - SH Arnolt Inc. and Bristol Cars. Situated in Chicago and
Indiana, SH Arnolt Inc. was the brainchild of Stanley H. Arnolt, a
Chicago industrialist, who made a living importing foreign vehicles
during the 1950s to the United States. His company would go on to sell
four different cars that showcased Bertone bodies (highly unique Italian
style) between 1953 and 1968. SH Arnolt Inc. capitalized off of an
international patchwork of car manufacturing with vehicles that
showcased British mechanics and Italian bodywork, coupled with U.S.
sales and distribution.
Bristol Cars Ltd became a manufacturer of
hand-built luxury cars that were produced close to Bristol, England.
With a history of eliminating the distributors and car dealers, the
company is known to directly wheel and deal with their customers. A
showroom in Kensington, London displays their wares. Only a small number
of cars have come from the company, often hovering around a little more
than 100 cars produced on a yearly basis.
During the 1950s,
Arnolt made a deal with Bristol Cars to purchase 200 of their 404 series
chassis and 1971 cc, six-cylinder 130 hp engines. Soon after, the
chassis were delivered to Carroszzeria Bertone, where a high-quality
aerodynamic body with impressive design was added. Additionally, the
hood height was adjusted to accommodate three two-barrel Solex 34
carburetors. SH Arnolt also facilitated a couple of design
modifications.
Arnolt-Bristol Car Models
The Arnolt-Bristol
cars came in four different body styles. The first model was geared
towards competition and appeared as a striped road racer. The bolide
offered a slightly more satisfying road racer. The deluxe was an
extension of the bolide, which illuminated side windows and a
convertible top. The car also carried instruments located in front of
the driver. An inset glove box in the dash was another attractive
feature. The fixed roof coupe was equipped with headlights that popped
up.
At the time, the vehicles fetched about $3995 for the
competition model; $4245 for the bolide; $4995 for the deluxe bolide;
and $5995 for the coupe. A variety of factory options also accompanied
the Arnolt-Bristol car, such as a front sway bar, remote shifter,
bumpers, convertible top, and Alfin drum brakes that measured 11 inches.
Borrani KO steel wheels were also associated with the Arnolt-Bristol
car (with the exception of one car that was sold with Borrani wire
wheels). The body of the Arnolt-Bristol car was mainly fashioned from
steel, but also featured an aluminum trunk and hood.
Although a
special racing fuel tank was placed in some of the racecars, this
feature was never a luxury provided to the public. Additional changes to
the makeup of the car included 12-inch bell shaped Bristol drums in
1959 and 1960, as well as Bristol front disc brakes in 1961.
When
purchasing an Arnolt-Bristol car, the new owner received an owner's
manual, spares manual, shop workbook, spare wheel and tire, as well as a
complete tool kit. A variety of logo-based accessories, such as
headscarves were also marketed under the company.
All
Arnolt-Bristol cars were built between 1953 and 1959 with a total of 142
final products (12 of which were destroyed after a factory fire). The
last time a record was made of existing Arnolt-Bristol cars, close to 85
of the models were located, varying in conditions, such as requiring
complete restoration to showcasing an impressive appearance. Although
the cars faired well on the racetrack, the vehicle models did not sell
very well. The market for the cars was so slow that some were not sold
until after 1960. The last car to sell showcased four headlights, but
wasn't purchased until 1968.
Interesting Facts
When it comes
to the Arnolt-Bristol car, there are many different misconceptions that
the vehicle model was associated with. For instance, the production
numbers for the car have often been the center of numerous reporting
errors. This may have been a result of calculating only the number of
Arnolt-Bristols sold in the United States and not in other locales, such
as Spain or France. The model also became part of a rumor that hinted
that some cars possessed a 283 Corvette engine instead of the Bristol
engine. This was a grave misconception as all Arnolt-Bristol cars were
originally fitted with the Bristol engine.

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